Ruth Fish

Ruth Fish, age 85, of Milbank, SD, passed away on Sunday, February 5, 2023, at St. William’s Care Center in Milbank, SD.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 11, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. at Living Word Church in Milbank. Visitation will be held on Friday, February 10, from 5-7pm at Mundwiler Funeral Home, and again one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday. Pastor Melanie Reiners will officiate the service.  Burial will be at the Milbank City Cemetery.

Ruth A. Fish was born on October 22, 1937, to John and Elizabeth (Koch) Weber in Benson, IL.  Soon after graduating from Benson High School, Ruth met Ethan Fish.  Ethan was the best friend and Navy service mate to Howard Grafelman, who was engaged to Ruth’s sister, Joyce.  Soon after Howard and Joyce were married, Ethan and Ruth were married on October 20, 1956, spending over 66 years together.

Ruth worked various receptionist jobs in Bloomington and Chicago, IL, while Ethan attended formal training in electrical motor repair.  After hearing there was a motor repair shop for sale, Ethan bought Hank Bue’s business, and they moved to Milbank in 1959.  Ruth was employed at Milbank Mutual until their first child was born.  She stayed home to raise their 5 daughters for several years.  Ruth was a meticulous house keeper and devoted mother.  She stayed 24-7 with her daughter Cindy while she was hospitalized at 2 years old, enduring many surgeries to correct a kidney defect.  Once the kids were on their own, Ruth took a job at the FOK Hardware warehouse for 10+ years.

After Ethan fully retired in 1994, the couple traveled extensively.  Ruth was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and was able to manage her illness very well until the last few years.  She was strong in her faith and an active member of Living Word Lutheran Church.

Ruth is survived by her husband, Ethan, daughters: Vivian Frendel, Columbus Heights, MN, Nancy (Mike) Johnson, Susan Shephard and Cynthia Fish, all of Milbank, and Jill (Greg) Marshall, Huron, SD; five grandchildren: Angie (Jon) Vos, Liz (Dave) Schroth, Dana (Alysha) Johnson, Darlene Marshall, and Carolyn (Colton) Wessel; 9 1/2 great-grandchildren; two sisters: Joan Kolb and  Barbara Hostetler; and in-laws: Duane (Donna) Fish and Vernita Watkins.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents; siblings: Dale Weber, Joyce Grafelman, and Johnny Weber; and in-laws: James and Anna Fish.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be given to the Parkinson’s Foundation, Minnesota and Dakota Chapter

Minnesota & Dakotas Chapter | Parkinson’s Foundation

200 SE 1st St, Suite 800, Miami, FL 33131;  800-473-4636

Or donate to a charity of your choice.  Make a donation to Parkinson’s Foundation in memory of Ruth A. Fish